Quote:
Originally Posted by YOWetal
French is a major world language but in North America is a minor language so as an independant country of 8 million why wouldn't they have the same fate as Netherlands. Was there recently and English is the work language in many workplaces. University programs only offered in English are widespread. In bars and restaurants it is common not to be able to be served in Dutch.
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You're seriously comparing Québec and The Netherlands?
Dutch is the only official language of The Netherlands, and although many people speak foreign languages, above all English, but also German and French, there is no doubt Dutch is the supreme language everywhere, is not threatened by English or any other language, no language erosion, no large Anglophone community growing every year, etc. Consequently there is no angst regarding the Dutch language, and people have no problem using English at work in an environment that requires it.
Also, The Netherlands were never colonized by Great Britain, and Amsterdam was never at any point ruled by English people lording over Dutch peasants, with signage only in English, "speak white", and all that nonsense.
As for universities, you're slightly behind the curve. There is now a movement away from English and returning to Dutch teaching, as English teaching is accused of many things (professors not mastering it well enough to express all nuances, young people forgetting Dutch technical terms, English courses attracting too many university tourists and migrants, etc).
Dutch Universities Cutting English Courses to Discourage International Students
Government to limit number of English-language courses at Dutch universities
Dutch universities agree to curb internationalisation
Things are moving fast in today's Europe. One's knowledge from 10 years ago is often outdated.